Meet Joe Black Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
No one can die - while he loves!
He's Expecting You.
Meet Joe Black: Sooner or Later Everyone Does
Bill Parrish, media tycoon, loving father and still a human being, is about to celebrate his 65th birthday. One morning, he is contacted by the Inevitable - by hallucination, as he thinks. Later, Death itself enters his home and his life, personified in a man's body: Joe Black has arrived. His intention was to take Bill with him, but accidentally, Joe's former host and Bills beautiful daughter Susan have already met. Joe begins to develop certain interest in life on earth as well as in Susan, who has no clue who she's flirting with.
| Brad Pitt | Joe Black |
| Anthony Hopkins | William Parrish |
| Claire Forlani | Susan Parrish |
| Jake Weber | Drew |
| Marcia Gay Harden | Allison |
| Jeffrey Tambor | Quince |
| David S. Howard | Eddie Sloane |
| Lois Kelly-Miller | Jamaican Woman |
| Jahnni St. John | Jamaican Woman's Daughter |
| Richard Clarke | Butler |
| Marylouise Burke | Lillian |
| Diane Kagan | Jennifer |
| June Squibb | Helen |
| Gene Canfield | Construction Foreman |
| Suzanne Hevner | Florist |
| Martin Brest |
6.60 out of 10 (27901 votes)
Visitor Reviews
A lavishly produced but emotionally empty and tedious film…
posted on 27 Aug 2009I was curious to see the original film, DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY (1934), and its loose remake, MEET JOE BLACK (1998), during the same week. I suppose it's safe to say that I enjoyed the original film much more than the remake: I thought DEATH'S brief running time and Gothic atmosphere were much more comfortable to my tastes and many interesting questions about life and death were asked and answered throughout the film. But I thought MEET JOE BLACK was as interesting as watching house paint dry due to its plodding pace and unnecessarily long running time.First of all, I must admit that I was never a fan of Brad Pitt. Pitt, who resembles a young Robert Redford with his long hazy blond surfer hairstyle in the film, delivers a bland performance as Death taking human form. Although my TV was set at a good volume, Pitt barely speaks above a whisper in the titular role. It's a performance that's strange at first but then becomes tiresome as the film drags on. Unlike Fredric March in the original film, Pitt displays almost none of the longing and despair to take the form of a human. Instead Pitt displays blank stares and long pauses throughout the film. And if Death was to act curious and naïve towards the mortal world, he should at least do amusing things. Unfortunately, the film is entirely devoid of humor save an unintentionally hilarious car accident scene near the beginning of the film.The other performances are just as dull: Anthony Hopkins delivers a stiff performance as Joe's kind mortal guide, a role which was played by Guy Standing in the original film. Hopkins tries to create an interesting character out of his old media mogul role in the muddled script, but it doesn't work. And English actress Claire Forlani's performance as Joe's love interest is an inexplicably strange one, to say the least—she performs with irritating headshakes, long pauses, and constantly blinking eyes throughout the film. At least her attempt at an American accent is a credible one. Only Jack Weber, as a despicable businessman, and Jeffrey Tambor, as Hopkin's loyal business associate, give satisfactory performances.The film's faults lie in the direction and the script. Director Martin Brest attempts to direct in the style of Stanley Kubrick and Werner Herzog by using long stationary takes, underplayed performances, and carefully composed camera shots, but they don't work. The film is in dire need of editing since almost all the film's scenes take too long to get where they're going. Also, the story is far too simple for a running time of three hours. The inconsistent and predictable script, which was the doing of four writers, doesn't even ask and/or answer the intriguing questions that made DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY so special. The film also makes use of a sex scene that does nothing to advance the slight plot and is merely an excuse to show Brad Pitt with his shirt off. Heck, the characters are still cardboard cutouts by the time the film is over! I couldn't connect or sympathize with any of the characters since the characterizations are so thin and one-dimensional.However, the film's $90 million budget shows throughout. The production values are lavish (including a stunning indoor swimming pool built near the top of a Manhattan penthouse) and the film's climactic birthday party scene is a marvel to behold. The film's color cinematography is also beautiful. And although I found Thomas Newman's music score intrusively saccharine at times—especially when Anthony Hopkins makes his selection for a birthday cake and during the finale—I found it enjoyable whenever Joe curiously explored the world of mortals due to the use of pizzicato strings and woodwinds playing on the soundtrack. And it's interesting to see that there are very few special effects shots throughout the film—all the effects are either physical or real.However, this is all just my opinion of the film. Some people may love this film, while others—like me—may find it a waste of time. If you like your films brief and in black-and-white and your interpretation of Death is a black-shrouded spirit, then DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY would be for you and not this film.
Amazed!!!
posted on 24 Aug 2009Last night I rented Meet Joe Black just to see how I would like it. From critics' reviews about the movie I was not expected too much. This is how I felt. From beginning to end I was amazed how good it was. The acting for one was great. Brad Pitt was amazing and his best performance in a movie. Anothony Hopkins should have got an Oscar for his performance. Claire Forlani showed that she can be a great actor with I think the best performance of the whole movie. The storyline which was like the 1934 film Death takes a Holiday. I thought the film was long and could have been shorter but if you get through the 3 hours ok you are in for a good ending. I think you have to be in the right mood to watch this film but overall a great film. I give it 3 out of 4.
Almost, but not quite...
posted on 24 Aug 2009There are some really good things about this movie. Pure originality is not one of them. Good taste is not quite one of them either.The good part: The acting. Excellent. Jeffrey Tambor puts in the best performance I've ever seen from him, very natural and real. Brad Pitt's portrayal of death is simply charming. Anthony Hopkins is at the top of his form. Claire Forlani and Marcia Gay Hardin make it obvious why their characters should be loved. Jake Weber is perfectly believable. The bad parts: the music, the recycled story (yet another in a long string of previously used material to be coughed out of Hollywood in the last five to ten years), a certain problem of taste.The music is by Thomas Newman, the same composer who so brilliantly scored Oscar and Lucinda. You can only tell it's him because of one particular theme which seems to have been lifted whole from the score of Oscar and Lucinda. (It's so obviously similar that until I confirmed that the same composer had written both I was outraged at what I thought was an outright theft.) The rest of the score is mostly either a medley of material by popular composers or the usual boring Dolby-ized swells thrown in way too often, even to the point of destroying delicate dialog. What is it with these Hollywood directors? What is this fashion for hiring brilliant actors and then stomping on their lines with insultingly suggestive music? Do I really need a swell of strings to tell me that dialog is poignant? that an exchange is respectful? that "these characters are Men, dammit"? Don't directors realize that Oscar winners and a decent script can usually do this -- and more -- all by themselves?The story is hardly original. The old parts are based on a play entitled "Death Takes A Holiday." (This play was first made into a film with the same name in 1934, then into a TV movie in 1971. Why oh why did we need another remake?) The new parts appear to be cobbled together from or just mimicry of a lot of '80s and '90s movies about corporate greed and glamourous rich people. If it weren't for the acting and the beautiful sets and costumes, no one would give a second thought to any of these characters.Which brings me to taste. Luxurious stuff everywhere on a set does not equate to good taste. Now, this will sound mean, but I don't intend meanness. Also, if the plot of this movie is not already clear as crystal to you thanks to two years of media saturation with a series of tediously explicit previews (another bad recent Hollywood trend), or from the tagline, or from the video cover itself, this might be a little bit of a spoiler, so beware. But here goes. I love Claire Forlani's acting. Nevertheless, I think she's too thin. Most people are 10-20 pounds lighter than they appear on film. In this film, Ms. Forlani looks like she weighs about 100 lb. Now, I think most of the women on my screen are too thin these days.
However, there is something particularly disturbing about a woman so thin that you can see the articulation of her shoulder joints embracing as a lover the handsome and virile embodiment of death. Enough said.This movie had a budget of $90m (which should have been enough to at least buy an original story idea). If the figures posted here on IMDb are accurate, it has yet to recoup more than approximately half. I hope Hollywood starts to get some messages from this kind of math. Maybe I'm not the only one watching movies who is sick of remakes, of terrifyingly thin women, and of stale and even insulting musical direction.
This is a great little sleeper.
posted on 22 Aug 2009Clever plot twists coupled with some outstanding performances. Brad Pitt is here for the ladies viewing enjoyment. Claire Forlani for the lads. (This gal has some serious acting chops!) Anthony Hopkins is Class personified. This movie did not set the box office on fire and I don't understand why as it is a true gem. Buy it or rent it or whatever, just make sure you watch it. Very Highly Commended!
Meet Joe Black
posted on 16 Aug 2009I loved it. It made me feel all sort of emotions. You feel sorry for Death, that he cannot stay to love. You feel sorry for the father knowing he has to leave this world. You feel sorry for Susan knowing that this event will happen, loosing both father and love of her life. You enjoy watching the bad get their just deserts. You laugh at the idea that an adult is experiancing life for the first time. There is so much to say that I cannot get it all in but to say "See it yourself, and enjoy". You will also enjoy the music.
Very smooth and seamless. Easy to watch & enjoy
posted on 15 Aug 2009I was concerned about the critical knock about it's length. Mywife and I hardly noticed the time and we both felt the storywas laid out very nicely with an excellent cast and direction sothat the story and characters held our attention completely.It's very easy to recommend the film to friends, family andothers. The romance, comedy, and drama are mixed at a smoothand timely
Beautifully human movie...
posted on 15 Aug 2009Meet Joe Black was a fabulous movie! What excellent casting, and the acting shone. What was best, however, was the humanity of the story. It would have been easy to play these characters as clichés, cynics, or totally clueless. That didn't happen here. The characters are flawed, earnest, confused, and very true. Whether rolling in the depths of selfishness or attempting to find a life path for themselves, they all prove very real and fascinating, particularly as you have the opportunity to see humanity through Joe's eyes. The Joe character was another surprise. Who would have thought an immortal could be so human? Curious, quick, and self-involved to a fault. Wonderful! The fabulous acting and excellent story made the movie very easy to watch all the way through, something I have trouble doing... Worth a watch, definitely!
Too many loose ends
posted on 12 Aug 2009Though the acting was fairly good, there were just too many loose ends, not the least being how a man who is seen at the beginning of the film to have been hit head on by two different cars going two different directions returns at the end of the film without a scratch on him and dressed, nonetheless, in tails...it just doesn't work. And such an interesting idea to work with; what a waste. Brad Pitt fans will enjoy the film, nevertheless. Too bad; he can be good.
Some films are simply more appreciated in time: The Grim Reaper learns about Life
posted on 10 Aug 2009A 3 hour movie can seem daunting! NOT HERE! This film never loses touch or lapses.
MEET JOE BLACK is a positively wonderful and uniquely engaging look at life and death.Bill Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) is a self made millionaire facing his 65th birthday and a possible buy-out/merger of his company that he has literally poured himself into,even at the expense of spending quality time with his grown daughters (Marcia Gay Harden and Claire Forlani).Susan,played expertly by Forlani,is the youngest daughter,bright,semi-engaged to her father's right-hand man (Jake Weber of MEDIUM),and a Doctor in her own right.Both Bill and Susan have their lives literally turned upside-down and right-side-up when Death,disguised in the body of a love interest that Susan has met (Brad Pitt),enters and assumes complete control,as The Reaper always has done,over present circumstances.You see,Death has taken a holiday from his daily grind of grimly reaping,and wants to learn a little about life now,at any cost.Brad Pitt is outstanding as Joe Black aka Death,(I have never been a Pitt fan,BUT this is a "nailed" role!), as he learns to inhabit the body of the man he has "taken" and experience and savour the "pleasures of earthly life"...peanut butter,finding out that taxes are as sure as death,a touch,a smell...even sex!).Both Pitt and Hopkins are comedically in sync and the outcome is genuinely humourous as Joe Black seems intent on "hanging on to life." The chemistry between Death and Susan is lovely,tender and engrossing.The looks of the eyes,the tentative touches and uncertain moves are perfection.Forlani and Pitt sizzle and convince. What these three characters learn is priceless and yes...I cried several times like a "girly-man" and enjoyed every last tear!
What is particularly impressive about this "tight" 3 hour film is the set design by Academy Award Winning designer Dante Ferretti (currently nominated for Sweeney Todd and his past achievements in great films such as The Aviator (Two-Disc Special Edition), ,Gangs of New York (Two-Disc Collector's Edition), The Age of Innocence,Interview with the Vampire,Titus and Kundun).In other words, MEET JOE BLACK is an opulent and eye-catching film to view with it's attention to detail and sense of largess!
Put my top 3 soundtrack writer into the mix of this Martin Brest directed gem,the venerable Thomas Newman Six Feet Under,Oscar And Lucinda: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and the clashing worlds of Life and Death are made cinematically complete with clarity,style and breadth.
Loosely based on the play/film Death Takes a Holiday,(1934)] MEET JOE BLACK is IMO far more engaging and interesting than the old Frederic March film (1934).
This film grabbed me,performances,characters,soundtrack and cinematography and made me ponder Life and Death in a new and glorious way.This film rose to a TOP TEN BEST for me.It touched both the heart,the artist and the cynic in me.Today is a good day....CARPE DIEM,y'all!
good but......
posted on 01 Aug 2009well, i love anthony hopkins, brad pitt is okay. but the movie was awesome and each actor was brilliant! i really got sucked into the movie you laugh, cry and feel sorry for the older sister. it was really nice to see brad pitt play such a diverse person. when he plays Death he is very convincing and almost humerous in some aspects. go see it a must - yet you will leave with questions that you may feel have been unanswered fill in the blanks!
Wake Me When It is Over
posted on 31 Jul 2009This movie was so boring and horrible I wished I was in a coma. Possible Spoilers. The scene I asked myself "What the heck was that?!" was the scene where Brad Pitt and Claire Forlani parted ways from the coffee shop and each of them were looking behind eachother.It felt like that lasted 10 mintues.And stupid Brad had to turn around IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET!! Moronic. And the conversations like the peanut butter scene...give me a break...Brad Pitt had the facial expressions as a corpse and his and Anthony Hopkins voice never was raised above the low volume level...you had to turn up the volume but when you did they yell...they either whisper or they yell... 3 hours of moronic conversations and stupid stupid scenes. Stay away from it. * star D-
Definitely a great Daddy's Girl movie!
posted on 23 Jul 2009This movie came recommended to me by a dear friend. I'm one of five daughters and I'm very close to my Dad, so he felt I would enjoy it. Although I'm not much of a Brad Pitt fan (sorry!) this is by far the best I've ever seen of him. It's romantic, it's loving, it's tragic and mysterious. Probably one of the best love scenes I've seen in a while too! Anthony Quinn was spectacular. I'm glad to have this one in my collection.
A wonderful film, very moving.
posted on 19 Jul 2009"Meet Joe Black" is a wonderful movie. I liked how it let the emotions of the moment, of a scene, play out. It did not jerk you about from one scene to the next or rush you along. Brad Pitt did a terrific job, and Anthony Hopkins was superb as always. As far as I am concerned, this movie is well worth the three hours - which, by the way, you don't really notice.
Absolutely Fantastic !
posted on 19 Jul 2009I originally watched this touching film when it was released in the cinema - and was thoroughly impressed by it. What makes this all the more amazing is that I'm more into the action genre of films (e.g. Con Air et al) than this more "sentimental" type of film.However I was spurred on to write this mini review by the fact that I've literally just finished watching the film again on terrestrial TV - which reminded me just how good this film is ...The cinematography is amazing, and some scenes whose themes where more complex than usual were handled with pinache. The music was good, although in my opinion it didn't lend itself to being released as a sound track to the film, it suited the film perfectly.I don't think this movie won any awards or Oscars, which in my opinion is a crying shame - I personally rate this film above and way beyond films such as Titanic (starring Kate Winslet). Anthony Hopkins and Claire Forlani were excellently cast in the two main leads - I sincerely hope to see more films of this type soon, and would recommend that everyone watch it at least once ! :-)
Extraordinary movie!
posted on 31 Aug 2009I worried that this kind of movie might be sad and sappy, but it isn't. It's got a fascinating story, excellent acting and the music is just great. I watched it three times this weekend (not all at once!). The third time through I actually started to cry during the love scene of all places. Not out of sadness but from the joy the movie conveys. What an emotional movie!